VIDEO PODCAST: Slava Ukraini! - recorded on the day Europe woke up to the news that Vladimir Putin's Russian forces had invaded Ukraine. Also features Caitríona O'Leary and Eric Fraad discussing their new film Island of Saints, and pays tribute to Joseph Horovitz, Malcolm Troup and Maria Nockin.
SPONSORED: CD Spotlight. Pure Magic - James Brawn's continued Beethoven Odyssey, awaited by Andrew Schartmann.
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Albion Records is the recording label of the Ralph Vaughan Williams Society. It was formed in 2007 and is devoted to recordings of works by Vaughan Williams. Each recording contains at least one first recording. Two albums - The Solent and Discoveries - were nominated for a Grammy award, and many recordings have spent some weeks in the UK’s specialist classical chart.
Further information: rvwsociety.com/albionrecords
Spotlight. Made from Rarer Stuff - Keith Bramich is intrigued by unusual Christmas carols collected in Herefordshire. '... clear, stylish and sympathetic performances.'
Spotlight. Emotional Joy and Gladness - Gerald Fenech warmly recommends Christmas music from the Chapel Choir of the Royal Hospital Chelsea. 'An enthralling compilation, flawlessly performed, that should prepare the listener for the celebrations of Christmastide, even at this early stage.'
Spotlight. A Compelling Issue - Gerald Fenech strongly recommends a new recording of music by Gustav Holst and his contemporaries. '... performances are as charming as they are abundantly sensitive.'
Spotlight. Excellent New Restorations - Gerald Fenech strongly recommends music by Vaughan Williams, played by Frederick Grinke. '... really beautiful music and memorable performances ...'
Spotlight. A Century-old Recording - Gerald Fenech strongly recommends a new restored version of an early recording of Ralph Vaughan Williams' opera 'Hugh the Drover'. '... sound quality is not what we would expect today, but in a sense, therein lies its charm and fascination.'
Classical music news. March 2024 Newsletter - Watch and listen to our March 2024 one hour video newsletter - Classical Music and Politics
CD Spotlight. Quintessentially British - Gerald Fenech is impressed by the first recording of Vaughan Williams' 'Songs of Travel' in a 1954 recital which also includes songs by Davidson, Head, Ireland, Keel, Stanford and Warlock. '... as historically important as it is musically ...'
CD Spotlight. An Enticing Collection - Gerald Fenech listens to a new and unusual album of music by Ralph Vaughan Williams, released today on the composer's 150th birthday. '... superbly crafted little miniatures ...'
CD Spotlight. Infectious Magic - Albion Records releases a disc of unusual music for the Vaughan Williams anniversary, and Gerald Fenech finds it unmissable. '... these performances are the result of deep immersion in the performing traditions of RVW's repertoire ...'
CD Spotlight. Vaughan Williams and English Folk Songs - Simon Farrugia recommends Albion Records' astonishing new recording. 'The freshness of sound presented in this album gives a new dimension to Piazzolla's music ...'